Most Dangerous Parts of London 2025: Where Crime Hits Hard and What to Do Notice

London is full of energy, history, and culture. But like any big city, it has its rougher spots too. If you’re living here, planning a move, or just visiting, it’s useful to know which areas have higher crime rates—not to scare you off, but to help you stay aware and make smart choices.

In this guide, you’ll find a breakdown of the 10 most dangerous parts of London, based on reported crime stats. We’ll look at the boroughs with the highest crime rates, what might be driving those numbers, and what you can do to stay safe.

Top 10 Most Dangerous Boroughs in London

To work out which parts of London see the most crime, we looked at official data from the Metropolitan Police, covering May 2024 to May 2025. We’ve ranked the boroughs based on their crime rate per 1,000 people – a fairer way to compare areas of different sizes.

For context, the overall crime rate across Greater London during this period was about 132 crimes per 1,000 people. Here’s how the top 10 boroughs stack up:

What crime types drive the numbers?

A closer look at the 10 most dangerous boroughs:

1. Westminster: 366.9 crimes per 1,000

It’s no surprise that Westminster tops the list. With attractions like Oxford Street, Soho, and countless central landmarks, it’s one of London’s busiest areas. But all that foot traffic also means more opportunities for theft.

Over 60,000 incidents were reported here in the last year alone. Phone snatches, bag dips, and pickpocketing are common, especially around tourist hotspots and transport hubs. If you’re spending time in central London, keep your belongings close and stay aware in crowded areas, especially late at night.

2. Camden: 186.4 crimes per 1,000

Camden has a unique energy; music venues, markets, and late-night bars keep the area lively almost 24/7. But that also makes it a hotspot for opportunistic crime. Theft is by far the most common issue here, with over 23,000 cases reported last year, followed by over 7,600 incidents of violence.

Areas around Camden Town station and the High Street tend to be the busiest, so it’s a good idea to stick to well-lit routes and keep an eye on your things.

3. Kensington & Chelsea: 155.5 crimes per 1,000

This borough may be known for its luxury shops and elegant streets, but even high-end areas aren’t immune to crime. Kensington & Chelsea saw nearly 10,000 thefts last year, with incidents often centred around shopping areas like the King’s Road and busy tube stations. High-value cars and visible designer items can attract attention, so whether you’re shopping or parking up, a bit of caution can go a long way.

4. Islington: 144.0 crimes per 1,000

From Angel’s bars to Highbury’s student digs, Islington skews young and mobile—meaning phones, laptops and bikes often go missing. Over 13,600 thefts were reported across the borough last year. Violent incidents spike after midnight around Upper Street’s late-licence venues, so plan a group ride home.

5. Southwark: 135.3 crimes per 1,000

From the South Bank to Peckham, Southwark is packed with things to do, but it also recorded over 43,000 crimes in the past year, with thefts making up nearly half of that number. Bike thefts are a persistent issue, and over 9,000 violent incidents were reported, especially near nightlife spots like Borough and Old Kent Road.

6. Hackney: 127.2 crimes per 1,000

Hackney’s creative scene draws you to Shoreditch bars, Dalston clubs and Broadway Market brunch spots—but that buzz also explains nearly 13,000 thefts and 8,400 violent offences over the past year. Late‐night queues for taxis and crowded pavements around Kingsland Road are prime moments for phone snatches.

7. Hammersmith & Fulham: 127.1 crimes per 1,000

From gigs at the Eventim Apollo to shopping marathons at Westfield, footfall rarely dips here. Around 7,300 thefts were logged last year, many in and around Shepherd’s Bush Green. Keep an eye on bags in busy pubs, and if you’re parking near riverside flats, double-check that car doors have actually locked. Key-fob signal jammers crop up now and then.

8. Lambeth: 125.0 crimes per 1,000

Brixton’s nightlife, Vauxhall’s club scene and the South Bank’s tourist trails make Lambeth lively day and night. That activity shows in the figures: more than 15,000 thefts and roughly 9,900 violent offences this year. Wallets and phones go missing most around late-licence venues, so pocket them before you hit the dance floor, and book a minicab rather than wandering back streets after closing time.

9. Newham: 124.8 crimes per 1,000

Stratford’s shopping centre, stadium events and busy Elizabeth line interchange funnel thousands through Newham daily. The borough logged nearly 15,800 thefts and 10,700 violent crimes last year—much of it clustered around Stratford station and East Ham High Street.

10. Tower Hamlets: 124.5 crimes per 1,000

Tower Hamlets bridges flashy Canary Wharf towers and the indie buzz of Brick Lane, making it a magnet for both commuters and night-owls. About 11,900 thefts and 10,800 violent incidents were reported over twelve months.

Pickpockets love weekend markets, while late-evening DLR platforms see their share of bag grabs. Keep valuables zipped inside your jacket and stick to lit main roads when you’re heading home from a curry on Brick Lane.

Factors Contributing to High Crime Areas

Several factors can influence why certain parts of London consistently see higher crime rates. While each borough is unique, some common themes tend to drive up offence levels across the board:

• High footfall and tourism: Areas like Westminster and Camden attract millions of people every year. With busy streets, packed events, and distracted visitors, theft and pickpocketing are far more likely.
• Nightlife and late-night economy: Boroughs with a strong nightlife scene often see spikes in violent crime, especially after midnight. Alcohol, large crowds, and reduced visibility all play a role in creating riskier conditions.
• Transport hubs: Train stations, tube stops, and major bus routes are hotspots for phone snatches, bag thefts, and other opportunistic crimes. Places like Stratford, Victoria, and Liverpool Street are often targeted due to the constant flow of people and easy escape routes.
• Socioeconomic pressures: In some boroughs, a combination of high deprivation, youth unemployment, and limited services can contribute to higher rates of robbery, drug offences, and violent crime. These patterns tend to affect certain neighbourhoods more than others within a borough.
• Density and housing type: Boroughs with a high proportion of rental housing, shared accommodation, or densely packed estates sometimes experience more burglary and antisocial behaviour. Greater turnover of residents and less informal surveillance can make some areas more vulnerable.

Safety Measures for Residents and Visitors

Whether you’re living in London or just visiting, staying safe doesn’t mean avoiding certain areas altogether. It means being aware of your surroundings and taking a few practical steps to reduce your risk. Here are some reliable safety measures you can follow:

Stay alert in busy public areas

Pickpocketing and bag theft are most common in crowded places like high streets, markets, and public transport hubs. Keep your phone, wallet, and other valuables in zipped bags or inside pockets—not in your hand or back pocket. When using your phone on the street, be mindful of your surroundings, particularly near busy junctions or on quiet side roads where thefts can happen quickly.

Use well-lit routes and transport at night

If you’re walking after dark, stick to well-lit main roads rather than quiet back streets or parks. Plan your journey in advance, and consider using apps like Citymapper or TfL’s journey planner to avoid unfamiliar areas.

When possible, use public transport instead of walking long distances at night, and if you’re taking a taxi, only book through licensed minicab services or use apps that offer driver details and tracking.

Be cautious with personal belongings in nightlife areas

Theft and assaults often rise in areas with late-night venues. In pubs, bars, and clubs, avoid leaving phones, bags, or jackets unattended. Stay with friends, watch your drinks, and arrange your journey home before the night begins. If an area is very crowded, keep your bag across your body and zipped shut to prevent easy access.

Secure your home and vehicles

If you live in London, especially in areas with higher crime rates, home and vehicle security is well worth the effort. A few proactive steps can significantly reduce your risk of burglary or theft.

Security cameras are a strong deterrent and help you monitor your property at anytime, anywhere. Modern systems offer motion detection, night vision, and cloud recording, meaning footage is saved even if a device is damaged or taken. You can mount cameras to cover entrances, driveways, shared hallways, or back gardens. Even just having a visible camera on your front door can put off would-be intruders.

For added protection, an alarm system, from simple motion sensors with loud sirens to fully connected systems, can alert you (and your neighbours) to any break-in attempts, especially when you’re away.

Plus, more residents are upgrading to video doorbells. They let you see and speak to anyone at your door from your phone, whether you’re home or not. Some models record automatically when someone approaches, which can be useful for spotting suspicious activity or handling missed deliveries. They’re especially helpful in flat buildings or areas where doorstep thefts (“parcel pinching”) are common.

As for your vehicle, lock it every time, even for a quick stop. Park under streetlights or CCTV when you can. Thieves often target cars with keyless entry, so use a signal-blocking pouch (Faraday bag) to stop your key fob from being cloned. A steering wheel lock adds a physical barrier that makes your car a less attractive target.

Register and track your devices

Phones, laptops, and bikes are top targets for thieves across the city. Use features like Find My iPhone or Google’s Find My Device to track your phone if it’s lost or stolen. Register bikes with schemes like BikeRegister, and use two solid locks, ideally with different locking mechanisms, to secure both wheels and the frame.

Conclusion

Knowing where the most dangerous parts of London are doesn’t mean you need to avoid the city—far from it. London has so much to offer, and most people go about their daily lives without trouble. But a little awareness goes a long way.

By understanding which areas have higher crime rates and why, you can make smarter choices about where you go, when you travel, and how you stay alert. Whether you’re heading out for work, a night out, or sightseeing, staying safe in London starts with staying informed.

FAQs

What is the roughest part of London?

The area with the roughest reputation in London is Westminster, recording the highest crime rate of 432 crimes per 1,000 people in the year ending December 2024—though this is likely skewed by massive daytime footfall from tourists, which inflates the crime-per-resident ratio. Other consistently high‑crime boroughs include Camden (approx. 195 crimes/1,000) and Hackney (around 126/1,000).

Which part of London is safest?

Richmond upon Thames is generally considered the safest borough in London, with one of the lowest crime rates at about 72 crimes per 1,000 residents as of year 2024. It boasts very low levels of violent crime, few drug‑related offences, and minimal property crime, making it a tranquil and leafy choice.

Which borough of London has the most crime?

Westminster tops the list in total recorded offences, with almost 100,000 incidents in the past year—equating to around 350 crimes per 1,000 residents. As a major tourist hub with a tiny resident base, it records exceptionally high volumes of theft, robbery, and other offences per capita.

👉 Further reading: Crime Rates in the UK by Postcode